Making parallel circuits | Science | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

Which of the following statements about series circuits is correct?
- A series circuit contains junctions.
- A series circuit has different loops.
- The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit. ✓
- The current can take different paths in a series circuit.
Which of the following resistances is the total resistance of the combination of resistors shown?
- 1 $\Omega$
- 2 $\Omega$
- 3 $\Omega$
- 4 $\Omega$
- 5 $\Omega$ ✓
A 20 cm wire has a resistance of 60 $\Omega$ . Which of the following lengths of wire would have a resistance of 15 $\Omega$ ?
- 5 cm ✓
- 20 cm
- 40 cm
- 80 cm
Which of the following statements describes how an ammeter should be connected to measure the current through a component?
- In series with the component. ✓
- In parallel with the component.
- Either in series or in parallel with the component.
Which of the following statements describes how a voltmeter should be connected to measure the voltage across a component?
- In series with the component.
- In parallel with the component. ✓
- Either in series or in parallel with the component.
Which of the following rules are important when drawing circuit diagrams?
- There are no small gaps between wires or components. ✓
- Standard circuit symbols are used. ✓
- Wires are drawn using a ruler. ✓
- The circuit diagram is symmetrical.

Exit quiz

Which of the following statements about parallel circuits are correct?
- A parallel circuit contains junctions. ✓
- A parallel circuit has different loops. ✓
- All of the current passes through all of the components in a parallel circuit.
- The current is the same everywhere in a parallel circuit.
Which of the following rules are not important when building a circuit from a circuit diagram?
- The number of components must match.
- The number of loops must match.
- The components on each loop must match.
- The positions of the components on each loop must match. ✓
A pupil has drawn a circuit diagram of a circuit they used to measure the voltage across a lamp. Which of the following errors have they made when constructing the circuit diagram shown?
- They have used an incorrect symbol for the cell.
- There is a gap at the positive terminal of the cell. ✓
- They have used an incorrect symbol for the one of the lamps. ✓
- The voltmeter is connected in series. ✓
Which of the circuits shown, A, B, C, or D, is the odd one out?
- A
- B ✓
- C
- D
Which of the following statements about voltage and current are correct?
- voltage = size of the 'push' on charges; current = rate of flow of charge ✓
- voltage = rate of flow of charge; current = size of the 'push' on charges
- voltage = how hard it is for charge to flow; current = rate of flow of charge
- voltage = number of charges in circuit; current = how fast the charges flow
Which of the following statements about the two circuits shown are correct?
- Both circuits are parallel circuits. ✓
- Both circuits are series circuits.
- Both circuits are the same circuit. ✓
- One circuit is a series circuit and the other is a parallel circuit.

Worksheet

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Video

Lesson Details

Key learning points

A parallel circuit is a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.
A circuit is built systematically following a circuit diagram, round in one direction, starting from any point.
A parallel circuit is built systematically, completing each loop of the circuit in turn.
A circuit diagram is drawn systematically, following each loop round and completing each one in turn.
Wires in a circuit diagram are drawn with a ruler for clarity, with no tiny gaps that would break the circuit.

Common misconception

Components of a parallel circuit must match the exact layout of a circuit diagram.

Focus on pupils starting at one end of the battery and building each loop up in turn, focusing on putting the connections in the correct order.

Keywords

Series circuit - A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.
Complete circuit - A complete circuit is one with no gaps, so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.
Parallel circuit - A parallel circuit is a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.
Circuit diagram - A circuit diagram is a simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.